Times are uncertain and the world seems like a scary place but there is always love and kindness. Always listen to the government’s advice and carry out the appropriate measures. Keep washing your hands, don’t touch your face and social distance. There are positive actions you can take to help those most vulnerable and we would like to share a handful.
Reach out
People are under an unusual amount of stress at the moment. Symptoms can include:
- fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
A great way to relive someone’s stress is to give something they need. Reach out to your friends and family. Schedule a call in with your grandparents, order food for your parents or plan a Skype date with your girlfriends. Loneliness is only going to increase as the months pass by so it’s pivotal to look out for each other.
Give to Food Banks
Food banks in the UK are forced to reduce their services as the outbreak leads to shortage in food donations.
You can search for your local foodbanks here:
Trussell Trust Foodbanks: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a-foodbank/
Independent food aid network: http://www.foodaidnetwork.org.uk/independent-food-banks-map
If you are unable to find one through these sites, then your local one might be independent. Your nearest church (if open) will able to also point you in the right direction. f you are based in London, Coventry, Brighton or Gateshead, you can donate to your local foodbank remotely. Bankuet is a system to enable direct giving between supermarkets and foodbanks, tailored to their need.
Support small businesses
Small businesses are being impacted negatively by COVID-19. It might be your local farmer, neighbourhood coffee shop or even your best friend’s craft business. One way to help is to purchase a gift card to your favourite local restaurant or coffee shop with plans to use it once everything calms down. Shopping online can also be a huge help, not every business will have this option but it’s a great way to practise social distance and helping. If you’re in a position to, consider donating. It doesn’t matter if it’s sending money or cooking a meal for the employees, this could mean the world to someone who isn’t sure how they are going to pay their bills next month.
Create a community network
Facebook, WhatsApp or even group messaging or email chains are a great way to communicate with those in your network. There is sure to be an elderly neighbour who is unable to pick up their medicine or groceries. Reach out to anyone with mental health issues too to see how you can be of assistance. A letter to invite people to create a support network is also quite common now so everyone can stay in touch.